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Volkswagen Bulli Microbus Crossover Under Considerationhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/09/volkswagen-bulli-microbus-crossover-under-consideration.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/09/volkswagen-bulli-microbus-crossover-under-consideration.html#commentsTue, 11 Sep 2012 13:01:45 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=154681Volkswagen Bulli Microbus Crossover Under ConsiderationLast week we reported how German automaker Volkswagen has several crossovers planned in its pipeline, and now we can add a Bulli-based CUV onto that list. The Volkswagen Bulli Microbus Concept debuted last year at the Geneva Motor Show, and based on its overwhelmingly positive reception rumors quickly spread that it was headed to production.... more]]>

Last week we reported how German automaker Volkswagen has several crossovers planned in its pipeline, and now we can add a Bulli-based CUV onto that list.

The Volkswagen Bulli Microbus Concept debuted last year at the Geneva Motor Show, and based on its overwhelmingly positive reception rumors quickly spread that it was headed to production. It hasn’t been mentioned much since, but the Bulli Microbus could be the influence for a small crossover model. Similar in size to the Scion xB, the Bulli Concept, if made into production form, will probably be large enough to carry five adults comfortably.

The push by the German automaker into the crossover segment goes hand-in-hand with its goal of becoming the automaker in the world, in addition to selling one million vehicles in America by 2018 – combined with Audi. There’s no debating that VW has products in every segment, but lacks a true competitor in the crossover market.

GALLERY: Volkswagen Bulli

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/09/volkswagen-bulli-microbus-crossover-under-consideration.html/feed0more]]>VW Bulli To Join Beetle In Heritage Rangehttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/vw-bulli-to-join-beetle-in-heritage-range.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/vw-bulli-to-join-beetle-in-heritage-range.html#commentsMon, 15 Aug 2011 21:30:11 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=78814VW Bulli To Join Beetle In “Heritage Range”Volkswagen executives are reportedly “very serious” to add the Bulli to their production lineup, as part of a “Heritage Range.” So far, this range consists of the Beetle, and…well, nothing else. But given the cult status of the old Microbus, and the overwhelmingly positive response of the Bulli at various auto shows, and VW is... more]]>

Volkswagen executives are reportedly “very serious” to add the Bulli to their production lineup, as part of a “Heritage Range.”

So far, this range consists of the Beetle, and…well, nothing else. But given the cult status of the old Microbus, and the overwhelmingly positive response of the Bulli at various auto shows, and VW is eager to chase the dollar of nostalgia-tripping baby boomers.

On the road to production, the Bulli would keep its five-seater capacity but lose its electric powerplant, instead going for a conventional range of shared gasoline and diesel engines. If it enters production—as soon as 2014, in fact—it would be built in Puebla, Mexico, alongside a Beetle convertible that will debut next year.

Lastly, the Bulli would serve in the MPV market, and it would be slightly longer than the Golf—but its heritage styling would give it a unique place in VW’s lineup. “As a designer, I am convinced by this idea,” said Walter de’Silva, VW’s design chief. “We don’t have a space for another conventional MPV, but this one would be desirable on a different level, combining practicality with the heritage appeal.”

]]>http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/08/vw-bulli-to-join-beetle-in-heritage-range.html/feed1more]]>Volkswagen Bulli Microbus Concept Headed to Productionhttp://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/03/volkswagen-bulli-microbus-concept-headed-to-production.html
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/03/volkswagen-bulli-microbus-concept-headed-to-production.html#commentsThu, 10 Mar 2011 14:06:18 +0000http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/?p=53320Volkswagen Bulli Microbus Concept Headed to ProductionRemember the retro-tastic Bulli from Geneva? If not, then this link should refresh your memory. Well, Volkswagen research and development boss Ulrich Hackenberg says it wasn’t just a snazzy show concept—the company plans to put it into production, under the MDS (modular design system) platform. The platform, previously known as the MQB, will enter production... more]]>

The platform, previously known as the MQB, will enter production next year with the third-generation Audi A3; yet after that it will spread like pollen to a whole host of new Volkswagen products, including the Bulli, which will be sold as the Microbus.

And for American fans of the original VW van, the Microbus will be built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, or probably Mexico—where it will go up against the Scion xB as an uncharacterizable tall wagon/crossover sort of deal. Luckily for VW, the Microbus already has a rabid fanbase cultivated over 60 years, because you can’t put a price on nostalgia (without horrendous dealer markup, anyway).